Convert HLS to MP4 Using FFmpeg

ffmpeg -i "https://example.com/stream.m3u8" -c copy -bsf:a aac_adtstoasc output.mp4

This is the most common HLS→MP4 remux: fast and lossless when codecs already fit MP4. Conceptual guide: convert HLS to MP4.

ffmpeg -i "https://example.com/stream.m3u8" -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Use re-encode for incompatible codecs or when you need maximum device compatibility.

# NVIDIA
ffmpeg -i "stream.m3u8" -c:v h264_nvenc -preset p7 -cq 23 -c:a aac output.mp4
# Intel Quick Sync
ffmpeg -i "stream.m3u8" -c:v h264_qsv -global_quality 23 -c:a aac output.mp4
# Apple VideoToolbox
ffmpeg -i "stream.m3u8" -c:v h264_videotoolbox -q:v 60 -c:a aac output.mp4

Hardware paths are faster for re-encode but quality/settings differ by vendor.

Prefer remux (-c copy) for speed and quality. Re-encode only when required. Details: high-quality conversion and complete FFmpeg guide.

Our browser converter runs FFmpeg via WebAssembly with no install and no upload.

What FFmpeg command converts HLS to MP4?
ffmpeg -i url.m3u8 -c copy -bsf:a aac_adtstoasc out.mp4

Is it lossless?
Yes with -c copy.

When should I re-encode?
When codecs are incompatible or you need a specific profile.

Can I use GPU acceleration?
Yes — NVENC, QSV, or VideoToolbox depending on hardware.